The following are some notes Susan Maclagan made during Sir Galway's March 15, 2004 masterclass, which was webcast from Colorado. Posted with permission of the author.
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Date: Tue, 16 Mar 2004 10:55:20 –0600
From: Susan Maclagan <suemaclagan@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Sir Galway - class notes
Hi everyone,
Thanks to Alexa Still and Sir James for making the internet master class experience possible. Unfortunately I only caught the last 25 or so minutes because my Real Player couldn't keep the connection before the class, and then once the class started I couldn't get connected again until near the end. I thoroughly enjoyed what I did hear and have some pointers to share with you.
Sir James was asked for hints on memorizing. Without hesitation he said that one should first analyze the piece. Look in particular for phrases etc. that repeat. Then look at what comes before and after these repetitive bits, and so on. He did a quick analysis of the Chaminade (which he feels is easy to memorize) to show us how to analyze it with memorizing in mind.
He mentioned that the more that you memorize, the better that you get at it.
The pianist added a few suggestions as well. He mentioned that if you memorized
analytically and falter at some point, it will be easier to get back in because
you will know where you are in the structure of the piece. He also suggested:
- mental practise - think through the piece in your mind without playing.
- memorizing in bits and adding on bits
- memorizing in the dark, so that there are no visual aids or props to help
you (Sir James liked this one in particular)
I hope that others will send in some tidbits from the class for all to enjoy.
Best wishes,
Susan Maclagan
Canada
